Summary: Title : will be set by the publisher
Editors : will be set by the publisher
EAS Publications Series, Vol. ?, 2004
AUTOMATED SITE TESTING FROM ANTARCTICA
J.W.V. Storey1, M.C.B. Ashley1, M.G. Burton1 and J.S. Lawrence1
Abstract. Over the past decade we have developed a series of increas-
ingly sophisticated robotic instruments for site testing in Antarctica.
These range from exceedingly low power cloud monitors to fully au-
tonomous 30 cm telescopes, and cover from the ultraviolet to the sub-
mm. These instruments have been very successful at characterising the
Antarctic sky, and have demonstrated beyond doubt the advantages
Antarctic plateau sites offer over observatories at temperate locations.
1 Site Testing Laboratories
The unique Antarctic environment requires unique engineering solutions be applied
to astronomical site testing experiments. The isolation and extreme conditions of
Antarctic plateau sites necessitate facilities with reliable power and heat generation
systems, and autonomous control and communications systems. The University
of New South Wales has deployed two Antarctic site testing facilities, the Au-
tomated Astrophysical Site Testing Observatory (AASTO) at the US Amundsen
Scott South Pole station, and the Automated Astrophysical Site Testing INterna-